the danger he was
in. "You used to live in Danville, and went by the name of Red Bill. Your
popularity consisted in the fact that you were known as an adept
chicken-thief. My father once sent you to jail for petit larceny."

Bill's face grew still redder. "Yo' lie, yo' dog!" he hissed. "Yo' father
did send me to jail, but I war innocent, an' he knowed it. But he thought
I war only po' white trash, while he is an aristocrat. I swore to hev my
revenge, an' I will hev it. Boys, what do we-uns do with hoss-thieves in
ole Kentuck?"

"Hang 'em," exclaimed four or five voices.

"An' we-uns will hang this crowin' bantam. I will learn him to call me a
chicken-thief, classin' me with niggers!" exclaimed Red Bill, with fury.

"What will we-uns do with the other feller?" asked one of the men.

"Hang him too. Dead men don't talk."

But some of the gang began to demur over this summary proceeding, saying
that the Federal authorities would deal severely with them if it became
known they murdered prisoners in cold blood. Not only this, but Morgan had
captured hundreds of Home Guards and paroled them. But if they should
execute one of his prominent officers, he would show no mercy.

The discussion became so hot, they came nearly fighting among themselves.
At last one of them said, "I am tired of the hull business. I am goin'
home."

"An' I!" "An' I!" cried a dozen voices.

It was finally agreed that the gang should disband, only five agreeing to
remain with Red Bill. Being allowed to keep the plunder and horses they
had captured, these men, with Red Bill, promised to deliver Calhoun and
Nevels to the Federal authorities at Frankfort, unharmed.

Calhoun and Nevels had watched this quarrel among their captors with the
utmost anxiety, knowing that upon the result depended their lives. It was
with the deepest concern that they beheld the members of the party depart,
leaving them with Red Bill and his five boon companions.

No sooner were they alone than the six, with oaths and jeers, tied their
prisoners securely to trees, drawing the cords so closely that they cut
into the flesh. Although the pain was terrible, neither Calhoun nor Nevels
uttered a moan. After the prisoners were thus securely tied, Red Bill
produced a bottle of whisky, and the six commenced drinking, apparently
taking no notice of their captives. The whole six were soon fiendishly
drunk.

Staggering up to Calhoun, Red Bill growled: "Think we-uns goin' to take